Highly gifted students start early studies at the University of Braunschweig!

Highly gifted students start early studies at the University of Braunschweig!

In Braunschweig, early studies at the Technical University will be revived for the winter semester of 2025. This innovative program is aimed specifically at particularly gifted and motivated students. It offers young people the opportunity to attend regular university courses parallel to their upper secondary level and thus collect valuable credit points. The first ten participants include 17-year-olds Alina Schindler and Ellen Stupar, both of whom are eager to get a taste of various disciplines. While Alina is interested in marketing and law, Ellen is drawn to physics lectures. NDR reports that the program has existed for over 18 years and has consistently seen growing numbers of participants. This enthusiasm is also reflected in the current number of around 30 students, with the youngest student being only 14 years old.

But what drives young people? Above all, the great interest in MINT subjects (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology) seems to be setting a noticeable trend. According to a survey by the Deutsche Telekom Foundation, many talented students take advantage of these early study opportunities and around 50 percent of them choose a MINT subject. Vocatium found that mathematics is the most popular discipline, followed by computer science, chemistry and physics. Nevertheless, the general trend of early students has been gradually declining since 2012, which is attributed to the increased workload caused by the shortened high school system (G8).

Challenges for young students

Early study not only gives participants a fascinating insight into the world of science, but also helps them make an informed study decision. Vice President Knut Baumann attaches great importance to encouraging curiosity and creative development, while at the same time avoiding pressure. NDR emphasizes that the offer is financed from the university budget and therefore remains free for the young talents. Nevertheless, challenges such as students being overwhelmed, long waiting lists in counseling centers and the tight housing market for students could pose some hurdles.

These aspects mean that not only school performance, but also the distance to university and the financial burden of travel costs are problematic for many students. Nevertheless, early involvement in university remains the key to promoting younger talent in the scientific sector and highlights the motivation of young people. Vocatium confirms that the freedom to choose subjects and the special support from the universities provide valuable assistance.

All in all, it can be said that early studies in Braunschweig are an exciting path for talented young minds. It will be interesting to see how many more students will take advantage of this opportunity in the future to begin their academic journey.